Method and apparatus for information transfer in vehicle service systems

ABSTRACT

A vehicle service system wherein a computer is configured for active wireless communication over a wireless micro-network with any of a variety of similarly configured external components and devices brought into proximity with the computer, including, but not limited to, sensors, input and output devices, mobile computers, on-board vehicle computers, and other vehicle service equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention related generally to vehicle servicesystems having a computer configured to receive information to beutilized in performing a vehicle service, and more particularly, to avehicle wheel alignment system having computers configured to utilizewireless communications protocols to identify and communicate with avariety of proximally located external devices for the purpose ofestablishing communication links.

[0004] Traditional vehicle wheel alignment systems, such as shown inU.S. Pat. No. 4,381,548 to Grossman et al., herein incorporated byreference, utilize a computing device, typically a general purpose orIBM-PC compatible computer, configured with wheel alignment software,which is connected to one or more vehicle wheel alignment angle sensors.The computing device is configured with software to compute angularrelationships of the vehicle wheel, as is described in U.S. Reissue Pat.No. 33,144 to Hunter, et al. herein incorporated by reference, andtypically is in communication with a variety of conventional input andoutput devices, such as keyboards, pointing devices, printers, displays,and audio components. Traditional vehicle wheel alignment sensorscomprise angle transducers, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,983 toMcClenahan et al., herein incorporated by reference, which are mountedto the wheels of a vehicle undergoing an alignment service, but maycomprise camera systems, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,315 toJanuary, herein incorporated by reference, designed to observe eitherthe wheels themselves or targets mounted to the wheels, and to generateimages from which alignment angles may be determined by the computingdevice.

[0005] In prior art wheel alignment systems, the individual wheelalignment sensors are connected to the computing device by means of datacommunication cables. As the wheel alignment systems evolved, the datacommunication cables have been replaced by wireless communicationstechnologies such as infrared and radio-frequency communication links,wherein the computing device serves as a controller, transmittinginstructions to the individual wheel alignment sensors, and receivingwheel alignment information in response. To avoid conflictingcommunications, individual wireless wheel alignment sensors employ apassive communications system which transmits information to thecomputing device only in response to specific instructions receivedtherefrom.

[0006] In addition to requiring information from individual wheelalignment sensors, a wheel alignment system or other vehicle servicesystem computing device requires information identifying the type ofsensors which it is utilizing, information related to the vehicleundergoing service, and information identifying the manner and format ofany output provided to the operator or technician. These various piecesof information are traditionally entered into the computing devicemanually, via the conventional input devices such as the keyboard ormouse.

[0007] Emerging wireless communication technology, such as the Bluetoothwireless communications protocol, enables devices and appliances tointerconnect in the form of a mobile and amorphous network capable ofcontinually reconfiguring as elements are added and removed. Bluetoothtechnology allows easy connection between devices and components, suchas smart handheld devices and stand-alone equipment (i.e. generalpurpose computers to peripherals, etc) without the restrictions ofcables or wires. Devices employing the Bluetooth communications protocolcan connect with multiple similarly configured devices located within aclose proximity, forming a high-speed data network. The Bluetoothcommunications protocols include user authentication, data encryptionand data hopping facilities to protect privacy and to automaticallyprevent signal interference and loss. These protocols enable automaticsynchronization between Bluetooth-enabled devices.

[0008] As manual entry of information can be time consuming andrepetitive, it would be advantageous to provide a vehicle wheelalignment system wherein individual components were capable ofautomatically accessing and communicating with a wireless micro-networkincluding a variety of devices located in proximity to the wheelalignment or vehicle service system, and for automatically acquiringfrom or delivering to, these devices at least a portion of theinformation required to complete a vehicle wheel alignment or vehicleservice procedure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Briefly stated, in one aspect, the present invention comprises animproved vehicle service system wherein a computing device is configuredfor active wireless communication with any of a variety of similarlyconfigured external components and devices brought into proximity withthe computing device, including, but not limited to, sensors, input andoutput devices, mobile computers, on-board vehicle computers, and othervehicle service equipment.

[0010] In a second aspect, the present invention comprises an improvedvehicle wheel alignment system wherein the computing device isconfigured to utilize a low-power radio-frequency transceiver operatingin the 2.4 MHz ISM band, modulated by a Gaussian frequency shift keyingto communicate with any of a variety of similarly configured externalcomponents and devices brought into communications proximity with thecomputing device. The computing device and the devices with which it isin communication forming a loosely-coupled wireless communicationsmicro-network into which components and devices may be added and removedwithout disruption.

[0011] In a third aspect, the present invention comprises an improvedvehicle wheel alignment system wherein the computing device isconfigured to utilize a wireless Bluetooth communications protocol tocommunicate with any of a variety of similarly configured externalcomponents and devices brought into communications proximity with thecomputing device, including, but not limited to, alignment sensors,input and output devices, mobile computers, on-board vehicle computers,and other vehicle service equipment.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, the present invention comprises an improvedvehicle wheel alignment system wherein the computing device isconfigured to utilize a wireless communications protocol to communicatewith at least one similarly configured processor on-board a vehiclebeing serviced to retrieve information stored in a memory associatedwith the vehicle processor, vehicle system data, and/or to storeinformation in the vehicle processor associated memory. Such informationmay include, but is not limited to, OEM vehicle alignmentspecifications, vehicle operating parameters, previous vehicle alignmentmeasurements, and current vehicle alignment measurements.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will becomemore apparent from the reading of the following description inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the accompanying drawings which form part of thespecification:

[0015]FIG. 1 is an overview of prior art components in a vehicle wheelalignment system;

[0016]FIG. 2 is block diagram illustrating various components of avehicle wheel alignment system of the present invention linked to awireless communications micro-network;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a flow-chart illustrating a Bluetooth linkauthentication procedure; and

[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary external systemswhich may be in wireless communication via the micro-network with thewheel alignment system of the present invention.

[0019] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] The following detailed description illustrates the invention byway of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearlyenables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describesseveral embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses ofthe invention, including what is presently believed to be the best modeof carrying out the invention.

[0021] Turning to the figures, there is shown the components of aconventional vehicle wheel alignment system generally at 10. The vehiclealignment system 10 includes at least one input device 12, such as akeyboard, mouse, microphone, or touch screen, for use by an operator ortechnician (not shown) to communicate with the vehicle alignment system10, and at least one output device 14, such as a display or audiospeaker for the alignment system 10 to convey information to theoperator or technician.

[0022] Depending upon the needs of the operator or technician, the inputand output devices may include, but are not limited to, one or more ofthe following conventional devices such as a keyboard, a pointingdevice, a remote control device, a monitor or LCD display, or audiocomponents. The devices can be integrated together in a console, orlocated separately, again depending upon the needs of the operator andthe configuration of the wheel alignment system 10.

[0023] The input devices 12 and output devices 14 are in communicationwith a computing device 16 such as a wheel alignment computer, operatingunder control of one or more software programs or components. Thecomputing device 16 can be any computing device used with systems ofcomplexity similar to that of a vehicle wheel alignment system. Forexample, a micro-processor, a micro-controller, a digital signalprocessor having sufficient computing power, or a general purposecomputer can be used as the computing device. Of course, any equivalentdevice, i.e. one capable of executing the requisite software programs orcomponents, can also be used. Communication between the input devices12, output devices 14, and the computing device 16 can be performedelectronically or electro-magnetically (including optical communicationssuch as infrared system), or by any combination thereof.

[0024] The computing device 16 of the vehicle wheel alignment system 10is additionally suitably connected to at least one alignment anglesensing device 18 for obtaining measurements of the various alignmentangles and/or characteristics of a vehicle under test. The sensingdevices 18, depending upon the application and requirements, can beelectronic, electromechanical, or optical. The sensing devices 18 can behard-wired to the computing device 16 for communication therewith, orcan be in communication with the computing device 16 in any othersuitable manner, such as through infrared or radio-frequencycommunication.

[0025] In addition to the input devices 12, output devices 14, andsensing devices 18, the computing device 16 of the vehicle wheelalignment system 10 can be configured with access to an internal orexternal data storage component (collectively identified as 20), and tovarious peripheral components, such as printers, CD-ROM drives,DVD-drives, and/or a communications network such as the Internet.

[0026] It is preferred that at least one of the communication linksbetween the computing device 16 and either the input devices 12, outputdevices 14, and sensing devices 18 be a wireless communications link.Such communications links are shown in FIG. 2, in which the linksbetween the computing device 16 and at least one sensing device 18 arelabeled 22, and the link between the computing device 16 and an input oroutput device is labeled 24.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, a wireless communications system andprotocol known as Bluetooth is employed to automatically establish thewireless communications link 22 and/or 24, forming a wirelessmicro-network such as a piconet, comprising two to eight communicatingdevices sharing a communications link, or a scatternet, comprising twoor more interconnecting piconets. Alternative wireless communicationssystems and protocols may be employed for establishing a wirelesscommunication link between devices to form a micro-network. Such systemsand protocols, which can be employed with the present invention includeHomeRF and Wireless Fidelity, also known as Wi-Fi, or the IEEE 802.11Bstandard, although such systems and protocols may not automaticallyestablish communication links, but rather require individual links to bemanually initiated.

[0028] To establish a Bluetooth wireless communications link, a firstradio transceiver 26 is associated with the computing device 16, and asecond radio transceiver 28 is associated with each other device towhich a wireless communications link is to be established, such as aninput device 12, output device 16, or sensing device 18.

[0029] The first and second radio transceivers 26, 28 are configured toautomatically find and contact each other to establish a wirelesscommunications link upon being brought into proximity with each other.Proximity for purposes of establishing a low-power wirelesscommunications link is approximately 10 meters or less with currentBluetooth systems, and for establishing a high-power wirelesscommunications link is 100 meters or less with current Bluetoothsystems. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatthis distance may vary with the communications protocols and technologyemployed, and as such, may be increased with future versions ofBluetooth. Systems utilizing the Bluetooth communications protocoltransmit, using a preferred communications format, a general inquiry (orin some cases, a limited inquiry), which is received and acknowledged bysimilarly configured devices located within receiving range. Once asecond Bluetooth configured device is identified, a link is establishedand authenticated.

[0030] Establishing a Bluetooth link authentication involves a sequenceof steps, a portion of which are shown in FIG. 3. First, the initiatingBluetooth system checks to see if a link between the two communicatingdevices has already been previously established. If a link has beenpreviously established, the authentication is automatically accepted bythe initiating Bluetooth device. For the first time only that twodevices communicate, an initialization procedure is needed to create acommon link key in a safe manner. This procedure is called pairing.

[0031] An authentication procedure first checks to see if a link betweenthe two devices has been already authenticated. If so, theauthentication is confirmed. If the link between the two devices is notcurrently authenticated, but a common link key exists between the twodevices (from a previous link), the authentication procedurere-authenticates the link. If the re-authentication fails, or if thereare no common link keys available between the two devices, theauthentication procedure initiates the pairing procedure to generate anew set of link keys between the two devices. Successful completion ofthe pairing procedure results in the establishment of an authenticatedlink between the two devices. A complete description of the Bluetoothauthentication procedures may be found in the Bluetooth White Paperentitled “Bluetooth Security Architecture”, Version 1.0, published Jul.15, 1999. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize thata variety of authentication procedures may be implemented to complimentdifferent communications protocols.

[0032] Turning again to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the vehicle wheelalignment system 10 of the present invention can include wirelesscommunications links with both fixed and mobile devices to establish amicro-network. For example, the transceiver 26 associated with the wheelalignment system 10 is fixed, while a second transceiver 28 associatedwith a portable display unit is mobile. Devices with which the vehiclewheel alignment system 10 of the present invention can establish acommunications link include, but are not limited to computers associatedwith a vehicle undergoing service, customer computers (laptops andPDAs), input and/or output devices, and other vehicle service equipment.

[0033] For example, if a motor vehicle 100 equipped with a suitabletransceiver 28 is brought into proximity with a vehicle wheel alignmentsystem 10 of the present invention configured with a transceiver 26 andsuitable communications protocols, a communications link will beautomatically established between the vehicle 100 and the alignmentsystem 10. In the case of a motor vehicle 100, the suitable transceiver28 can comprise a self-contained device built in to the vehicle systems,or may comprise a detachable unit designed to plug in to an access pointto the vehicle's diagnostic systems, thereby providing wireless accessthereto. Utilizing this communications link, the vehicle wheel alignmentsystem 10, or other vehicle service system, can obtain requiredinformation directly from the vehicle 100 without the need for theoperator or technician to manually enter the data or connect cables fromthe vehicle's computers to the alignment system.

[0034] Such information can include, but is not limited to, diagnosticinformation stored in the vehicle's electronic control module (ECM), thevehicle identification number (VIN), vehicle tire pressure fromassociated pressure sensors, stored error codes, steering wheel positionencoder signals, electronic ride-height system signals, rear wheelsteering information, brake actuation signals, engine statusinformation, power steering status information, and throttle positionsensor signals. In the context of a vehicle brake testing system,information which may be communicated from the vehicle to the servicesystem can include, but is not limited to, braking system status,braking hydraulic pressure readings, brake pedal pressure, tirepressure, and vehicle wheel speed.

[0035] Additional information which can be stored in a vehicle computer,and communicated to the vehicle wheel alignment system 10 or othervehicle service device over the wireless communications link can includevehicle specifications and previous vehicle service information such asprevious alignment measurements, last service date, and the name orlocation of the service shop performing the last vehicle service.

[0036] In addition to receiving information from a vehicle 100, thevehicle wheel alignment system 10, or other vehicle service system, cancommunicate via the wireless communications micro-network withintegrated sensors and components on the vehicle to direct theiroperation, or to store data in an onboard vehicle storage memory. Forexample, upon completion of a vehicle wheel alignment procedure, thevehicle wheel alignment system 10 of the present invention cancommunicate the vehicle's current alignment measurements to the vehiclestorage memory via the wireless communications micro-network.

[0037] It is preferred that the transceivers of the system operate inthe 2.4 GHz Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band to establishthe wireless communications micro-network, which is standard forcommunications devices employing the Bluetooth communications protocols.Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that thewireless communication between the various devices and the wheelalignment system 10 of the present invention can utilize a wide range offrequency bandwidths, as is appropriate in the environment within whichthey are intended to operate.

[0038] Each of the transceivers 26, 28 is preferably a low-powereddevice, having a maximum output power of substantially not more than 100mW in high-power mode, and 10 mW in low-power mode, as is consistentwith devices employing the current Bluetooth communications protocols.Such low power transceivers 26, 28 are particularly suited for use witha vehicle wheel alignment system 10 operating in an enclosed vehicleservice center, and which are unlikely to require communication withdevices other than those located within the proximity of the vehicleservice center.

[0039] However, an output power of greater than 100 mW could be usedwith different communication protocols or future Bluetooth protocols.

[0040] It is anticipated that a vehicle wheel alignment system 10 of thepresent invention can simultaneously be in wireless communication withmore than one similarly configured device, thereby establishing anadaptable wireless communications micro-network wherein data can beexchanged between the devices. As additional devices move, or arebrought into, communications proximity to the wireless network, they areautomatically or manually added to the network if they are successfullyauthenticated. Alternatively, as devices move, or are removed, fromcommunications proximity to the wireless network, they are removed fromthe network.

[0041] In contrast with passive network prior art systems wherein asingle device functions as a network control device, transmittinginstructions to connected devices, and receiving information there fromonly in response to the transmitted instructions, the wirelessmicro-network of the present invention permits active bidirectionalcommunication and information exchange between any interconnecteddevices, with the communication or information exchange being initiatedby either of the devices.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, a vehicle wheel alignment system 10 of thepresent invention is shown configured with a first wirelesscommunications transceiver 26 and suitable communications protocols asdescribed above. FIG. 4 provides a visual representation of exemplarywireless communications links forming a wireless micro-network which canbe established between the vehicle wheel alignment system 10 and anexemplary variety of external devices during a typical vehicle wheelalignment service procedure. In addition to wireless links to standardinput and output components 12, 14 such as keyboards, headsets, audiodevices, and display units, prior to the arrival of a vehicle 100 at thevehicle wheel alignment system 10, wireless communications links 50 and52 can be established between the vehicle wheel alignment system 10 andone or more service shop supporting computers, such as a shop managementsystem and a parts inventory system. These links 50, 52 can bemaintained throughout an entire vehicle service procedure, so long asthe devices remain within the required proximity, and informationexchanged over them can include items such as lists of scheduled serviceappointments, customer information, and parts inventory information.Links to external networks, such as the Internet can also be providedthrough the wireless links 50, 52 to associated computer systems.

[0043] When a vehicle 100 is brought into proximity to the vehicle wheelalignment system 10, additional wireless communication links can beestablished. For example, a link 54 can be established directly to thevehicle's electronic control module (ECM) and on-board sensors if thevehicle is configured with a suitable transceiver, or can be establishedindirectly thereto through a plug-in transceiver module connected to thevehicle's ECM system. Information acquired directly from the vehiclethrough link 54 can include the vehicle VIN, prior service history,current vehicle status, live vehicle sensor readings, and anyinformation stored in on-board vehicle memory storage.

[0044] Additional wireless communications links 56 can be established toone or more external sensors 58 or data acquisition devices 59 utilizedto acquire data and measurements related to the vehicle 100. Forexample, individual wheel-mounted alignment angle sensors can beprovided with suitable transceivers and communications protocol toestablish communication links to the wireless micro-network, renderingsensor data and measurements available to any similarly connectedcomponents as well as permitting the vehicle wheel alignment system 10to control the sensors.

[0045] During a wheel alignment procedure or other vehicle service, thevehicle wheel alignment system 10 may communicate via the wirelessmicro-network with any of a variety of input and output devicesconfigured with suitable transceivers and wireless communicationsprotocols. In addition, wireless communications links may be establishedto portable computers 60 or PDAs 62 brought into proximity to thevehicle wheel alignment system 10, and information exchanged therewith.

[0046] For example, upon completion of a vehicle wheel alignmentprocedure or other vehicle service, a customer's PDA 62 or laptopcomputer 60, may receive from the vehicle wheel alignment system 10 anindication that the service has been completed, as well as an update ofthe results. In response, the PDA 62 or laptop computer 60 may providepayment authorization from the customer to the vehicle wheel alignmentsystem 10. Communication links may further be established to a partsinventory system 63, a shop management system 65, or other vehicleservice components, such as an automotive lift rack 67.

[0047] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects ofthe invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained.As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1-32 (Cancelled).
 33. An improved vehicle service system having acomputing device, an associated display, and at least one sensorconfigured for communication with the computing device for communicatingvehicle data, said improvement comprising: a transceiver unit associatedwith said computing device, said transceiver configured to establish anactive bidirectional communications link between said computing deviceand a vehicle computer associated with a vehicle in proximity to saidimproved vehicle service system; and wherein said computing device isconfigured to utilize said communications link to receive data from saidvehicle computer, and to store updated data in an onboard memory of saidvehicle computer.
 34. The improved vehicle service system of claim 33wherein said updated data includes one or more current vehiclemeasurements.
 35. The improved vehicle service system of claim 33wherein said computing device is configured to utilize saidcommunications link to receive at least one stored error code from saidvehicle computer.
 36. The improved vehicle service system of claim 33wherein said computing device is configured to utilize saidcommunications link to direct said vehicle computer to reset at leastone stored error code.
 37. The improved vehicle service system of claim33 wherein said computing device is configured to utilize saidcommunications link to receive steering wheel position data from saidvehicle computer.
 38. The improved vehicle service system of claim 33wherein said computing device is configured to utilize saidcommunications link to update steering wheel position data stored in amemory associated with said vehicle computer.
 39. The improved vehicleservice system of claim 33 wherein said computing device is configuredto utilize said communications link to direct the operation of at leastone component of said vehicle.
 40. The improved vehicle service systemof claim 39 wherein said component is an electrically controlledride-height system.
 41. The improved vehicle service system of claim 39wherein said component is a rear-wheel steering system.
 42. The improvedvehicle service system of claim 39 wherein said component is a vehiclebraking system.
 43. The improved service system of claim 33 wherein saidtransceiver unit associated with said computing device is configured toestablish a wireless communications link between said computing deviceand a vehicle computer associated with a vehicle in proximity to theimproved vehicle service system.
 44. The improved service system ofclaim 33 further including a data communications cable; and wherein saidtransceiver unit associated with said computing device is configured toestablish a communications link over said data communications cablebetween said computing device and a vehicle computer associated with avehicle in proximity to the improved vehicle service system.
 45. Avehicle wheel alignment system having a computing device configured withat least one vehicle wheel alignment software application, an associateddisplay, and at least one wheel alignment angle sensing deviceoperatively coupled to the computing device, comprising: a transceiverunit associated with said wheel alignment system computing device, saidtransceiver configured to establish a communications link between saidwheel alignment system computing device and a vehicle electronic controlmodule associated with a vehicle; and wherein said vehicle wheelalignment system computing device is configured to utilize saidcommunications link to receive data from said vehicle electronic controlmodule.
 46. The vehicle wheel alignment system of claim 45 where saidvehicle wheel alignment system computing device is further configured toutilize said communications link to convey data to said vehicleelectronic control module.
 47. The vehicle wheel alignment system ofclaim 45 where said vehicle wheel alignment system computing device isfurther configured to utilize said communications link to directoperation of said vehicle electronic control module.
 48. The vehiclewheel alignment system of claim 45 wherein said vehicle wheel alignmentsystem computing device is configured to utilize said communicationslink to receive at least one error code from said vehicle electroniccontrol module.
 49. The vehicle wheel alignment system of claim 45 wheresaid vehicle wheel alignment system computing device is furtherconfigured to utilize said communications link to direct said vehicleelectronic control module to reset at least one error code.
 50. Thevehicle wheel alignment system of claim 45 wherein said vehicle wheelalignment system computing device is configured to utilize saidcommunications link to receive steering system data from said vehicleelectronic control module.
 51. The vehicle wheel alignment system ofclaim 50 wherein said steering system data includes a steering wheelposition signal.
 52. The vehicle wheel alignment system of claim 50wherein said steering system data includes rear wheel steeringinformation.
 53. The vehicle wheel alignment system of claim 45 whereinsaid vehicle wheel alignment system computing device is configured toutilize said communications link to receive ride-height system data fromsaid vehicle electronic control module.
 54. The vehicle wheel alignmentsystem of claim 45 where said vehicle wheel alignment system computingdevice is further configured to utilize said communications link tostore data associated with a steering system in said vehicle electroniccontrol module.
 55. The vehicle wheel alignment system of claim 45 wheresaid vehicle wheel alignment system computing device is furtherconfigured to utilize said communications link to direct operation of avehicle electrically controlled ride-height system through said vehicleelectronic control module.
 56. The vehicle wheel alignment system ofclaim 45 where said vehicle wheel alignment system computing device isfurther configured to utilize said communications link to directoperation of a vehicle steering system through said vehicle electroniccontrol module.
 57. The vehicle wheel alignment system of claim 45wherein said transceiver unit associated with said wheel alignmentsystem computing device is configured to establish a wirelesscommunications link between said wheel alignment system computing deviceand a vehicle electronic control module associated with a vehicle. 58.The vehicle wheel alignment system of claim 45 further including a datacommunications cable; and wherein said transceiver unit associated withsaid wheel alignment system computing device is configured to establisha communications link over said data communications cable between saidwheel alignment system computing device and a vehicle electronic controlmodule associated with a vehicle.
 59. A method for transferringinformation between a vehicle wheel alignment system and a vehiclecomputer, comprising: establishing a communication link between thevehicle computer and the vehicle wheel alignment system; transferring,on said established communications link, information from the vehiclecomputer to the vehicle wheel alignment system in response to at leastone request from the vehicle wheel alignment system; performing, withthe vehicle wheel alignment system, one or more service procedures on avehicle associated with the vehicle computer; and transferring, on saidestablished communications link, information from the vehicle wheelalignment system to the vehicle computer subsequent to a completion ofsaid one or more service procedures on said vehicle.
 60. The method ofclaim 59 further including the step of storing said information in adata storage device associated with the vehicle computer.
 61. The methodof claim 59 for transferring information between a vehicle wheelalignment system and a vehicle computer further comprising the step of:operatively coupling the vehicle computer to at least one removabletransceiver configured for wireless communication with the vehicle wheelalignment system prior to establishing said communications link; andwherein said step of establishing a communication link includesestablishing a wireless communications link between said at least oneremovable transceiver and the vehicle wheel alignment system.
 62. Themethod of claim 59 for transferring information between a vehicle wheelalignment system and a vehicle computer further comprising the step of:operatively coupling the vehicle computer to at least one datacommunications cable for communication with the vehicle wheel alignmentsystem prior to establishing said communications link; and wherein saidstep of establishing a communication link includes establishing acommunications link between said vehicle computer and the vehicle wheelalignment system over said data communications cable.
 63. A method fortransferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment system and avehicle electronic control module, comprising: establishing acommunication link between the vehicle electronic control moduleassociated with a vehicle and the vehicle wheel alignment system; andtransferring, on said established communications link, diagnosticinformation from the vehicle electronic control module to the vehiclewheel alignment system in response to at least one request from thevehicle wheel alignment system.
 64. The method of claim 63 fortransferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment system and avehicle electronic control module further including the step oftransferring, on said established communications link, at least onecommand from the vehicle wheel alignment system to the vehicleelectronic control module, said at least one command configured todirect the operation of at least one vehicle component.
 65. The methodof claim 63 for transferring information between a vehicle wheelalignment system and a vehicle computer wherein said step ofestablishing a communication link includes establishing a wirelesscommunications link between said vehicle electronic control module andthe vehicle wheel alignment system.
 66. The method of claim 63 fortransferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment system and avehicle computer wherein said step of establishing a communication linkincludes coupling a data communications cable between said vehicleelectronic control module and the vehicle wheel alignment system. 67.The method of claim 63 for transferring information between a vehiclewheel alignment system and a vehicle electronic control module furtherincluding the step of transferring data on said establishedcommunications link from said vehicle wheel alignment system to saidvehicle electronic control module.
 68. The method of claim 67 fortransferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment system and avehicle electronic control module further including the step of storingsaid data in a data storage device associated with the vehicleelectronic control module.
 69. The method of claim 63 for transferringinformation between a vehicle wheel alignment system and a vehicleelectronic control module wherein said diagnostic information from thevehicle electronic control module to the vehicle wheel alignment systemincludes at least one stored error code.
 70. The method of claim 63 fortransferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment system and avehicle electronic control module wherein said diagnostic informationfrom the vehicle electronic control module to the vehicle wheelalignment system includes steering system information.
 71. The method ofclaim 70 for transferring information between a vehicle wheel alignmentsystem and a vehicle electronic control module wherein said diagnosticinformation from the vehicle electronic control module to the vehiclewheel alignment system includes steering wheel position data.
 72. Themethod of claim 63 for transferring information between a vehicle wheelalignment system and a vehicle electronic control module wherein saiddiagnostic information from the vehicle electronic control module to thevehicle wheel alignment system includes rear wheel steering system data.73. The method of claim 63 for transferring information between avehicle wheel alignment system and a vehicle electronic control modulewherein said diagnostic information from the vehicle electronic controlmodule to the vehicle wheel alignment system includes electronicride-height system information.
 74. The method of claim 63 fortransferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment system and avehicle electronic control module wherein said diagnostic informationfrom the vehicle electronic control module to the vehicle wheelalignment system includes brake system information.
 75. The method ofclaim 63 for transferring information between a vehicle wheel alignmentsystem and a vehicle electronic control module further including thestep of transferring, on said established communications link, at leastone command from the vehicle wheel alignment system to the vehicleelectronic control module, said at least one command configured todirect the operation of the vehicle electronic control module.
 76. Themethod of claim 75 for transferring information between a vehicle wheelalignment system and a vehicle electronic control module where said atleast one command is configured to direct the vehicle electronic controlmodule to store data in an electronic memory associated with the vehicleelectronic control module.
 77. A method for transferring informationbetween a vehicle wheel alignment system and a vehicle electroniccontrol module, comprising: establishing a communication link betweenthe vehicle electronic control module associated with a vehicle and thevehicle wheel alignment system; and transferring data on saidestablished communications link from said vehicle wheel alignment systemto said vehicle electronic control module.
 78. The method of claim 77for transferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment systemand a vehicle electronic control module further including the step ofstoring said data in a data storage device associated with the vehicleelectronic control module.
 79. The method of claim 77 for transferringinformation between a vehicle wheel alignment system and a vehicleelectronic control module wherein said data includes at least onecommand, said at least one command configured to direct the operation ofthe vehicle electronic control module.
 80. The method of claim 79 fortransferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment system and avehicle electronic control module where said at least one command isconfigured to direct the vehicle electronic control module to store datain an electronic memory associated with the vehicle electronic controlmodule.
 81. The method of claim 77 for transferring information betweena vehicle wheel alignment system and a vehicle computer wherein saidstep of establishing a communication link includes establishing awireless communications link between said vehicle electronic controlmodule and the vehicle wheel alignment system.
 82. The method of claim77 for transferring information between a vehicle wheel alignment systemand a vehicle computer wherein said step of establishing a communicationlink includes coupling a data communications cable between said vehicleelectronic control module and the vehicle wheel alignment system.